Home Swap in Granada: The Complete Packing List and Preparation Guide You Actually Need

The first time I walked into my home swap in Granada, I realized I'd packed completely wrong. Standing in a whitewashed apartment in the Albaicín, sweat pooling at the small of my back from the August heat, I stared at my suitcase full of jeans and wondered what I'd been thinking.

That was four years ago. Since then, I've done three more home swaps in Granada—different seasons, different neighborhoods, different lessons learned. And honestly? Packing for this city is unlike packing for anywhere else in Spain. The dramatic temperature swings between day and night, the cobblestone streets that destroy certain shoes, the cultural expectations around dress codes at flamenco shows and the Alhambra—it all requires some thought.

Golden hour light spilling through a wrought-iron balcony in Granadas Albaicn neighborhood, with the

So here's everything I wish someone had told me before my first home swap in Granada. Not a generic Spain packing list—a Granada-specific guide from someone who's lived it.

Why Home Swap Preparation for Granada Is Different

Granada isn't Barcelona. It's not Madrid. And it's definitely not the Costa del Sol beach towns most people picture when they think of Andalusia.

This is a mountain city—literally at the foot of the Sierra Nevada—which means the weather does things that catch tourists off guard. I've experienced 95°F afternoons that dropped to 55°F by midnight. In April. The locals call it "cuatro estaciones en un día" (four seasons in one day), and they're not exaggerating.

Then there's the terrain. Granada is vertical. The Albaicín and Sacromonte neighborhoods—where many of the best home swap properties are located—involve serious uphill walking on uneven cobblestones and ancient stone paths. Your footwear choices matter more here than almost anywhere I've traveled.

And because you're staying in someone's actual home rather than a hotel, your preparation extends beyond packing. You need to think about arrival logistics, communication with your host, local grocery shopping, and how to actually live like a Granadino for a week or two.

The Granada-Specific Packing List That Actually Works

I'm not going to insult you with "don't forget your passport." You know the basics. Here's what's specific to Granada home swaps:

Footwear (This Is Non-Negotiable)

Bring exactly three pairs of shoes, and choose them carefully.

First: broken-in walking shoes with serious grip. Not fashion sneakers—actual hiking-adjacent shoes that can handle steep cobblestones, gravel paths, and the occasional scramble up to a mirador. I wear trail runners from Merrell. My partner swears by Ecco walking shoes. Whatever you choose, make sure you've worn them for at least 50 miles before your trip. Granada will expose any blister-prone spots immediately.

Second: comfortable sandals with back straps for tapas-hopping evenings when your feet need a break but you're still walking 2-3 miles between bars. Birkenstocks work. Tevas work. Flip-flops absolutely do not—you'll twist an ankle on the first cobblestone.

Third: one pair of dressier shoes if you're planning flamenco shows, nicer restaurants, or a sunset visit to the Alhambra. Granadinos dress up more than you'd expect for evening activities. For women, a comfortable wedge or block heel that you can actually walk in. For men, clean leather shoes or dressy loafers.

Worn leather sandals and trail runners sitting on a terracotta tile floor next to a woven basket, mo

Clothing Layers (The Secret to Granada Comfort)

The layering strategy for Granada is different from other destinations. You're not layering for cold—you're layering for temperature swings within single days.

Mornings in the Albaicín can be genuinely chilly, even in summer. By 2 PM, you'll be seeking shade desperately. By 10 PM, when you're finally sitting down for dinner (yes, that's when Granadinos eat), you might want a light jacket again.

My Granada packing formula: 2 pairs of lightweight, breathable pants in linen or linen-blend (jeans are a mistake except in winter), 1 pair of comfortable walking shorts, 4-5 tops in natural fabrics like cotton, linen, or bamboo since synthetics trap heat, 1 light cardigan or linen shirt for layering, 1 packable down jacket or fleece for cool evenings and air-conditioned spaces, and 1 scarf or pashmina—essential for women visiting churches, useful for everyone on chilly nights.

Color-wise, stick to neutrals and earth tones. You'll blend in better, and the terracotta-and-white aesthetic of Granada makes bright tourist colors look jarring in photos.

Sun Protection (More Critical Than You Think)

Granada sits at 2,300 feet elevation, and the Andalusian sun is intense. I learned this the hard way during a home swap in the Realejo neighborhood—got a sunburn walking to the grocery store.

Pack a real sun hat with a wide brim. Not a baseball cap—an actual hat that shades your face and neck. I know it feels touristy, but heatstroke feels worse. Bring reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50, because you'll use it daily. Sunglasses with UV protection. And if you're fair-skinned like me, consider a lightweight long-sleeve linen shirt for midday Alhambra explorations.

Electronics and Adapters

Spain uses Type C and Type F plugs—the round two-prong European standard. Bring at least two universal adapters, one for your phone charger and one for your laptop or camera.

Here's something I always do for home swaps: I bring a small power strip from home with a single adapter. That way I can charge multiple devices from one Spanish outlet without hunting for adapters throughout my host's apartment. A portable phone charger is essential too. You'll be using Google Maps constantly to navigate the labyrinthine Albaicín streets, and your battery will drain fast.

Preparing Your Home for the Exchange

This is the part of home swap preparation that people underestimate. When you're doing a home exchange through SwappaHome, you're not just packing for your trip—you're also preparing your home for your incoming guests.

A tidy living room with a welcome basket on the coffee table containing local snacks, a handwritten

The Deep Clean (Do It Right)

I won't lie—preparing your home for a swap is work. But it's work that pays off in karma. The cleaner and more welcoming your space, the better reviews you'll receive, and the more likely you are to get accepted for future swaps.

Start two weeks before your departure. Week two: declutter surfaces, clean out the fridge, wash all linens. Week one: deep clean bathrooms and kitchen, organize closets you're sharing. Day before: fresh sheets, fresh towels, empty trash, final vacuum.

I always leave my home cleaner for swap guests than I keep it for myself. It's just good practice.

The Welcome Guide (Your Secret Weapon)

Create a house manual. This is honestly the most valuable thing you can do for your guests—and it makes your own experience better because they won't need to text you questions constantly.

Include the WiFi password first (trust me), instructions for any temperamental appliances (every home has at least one), trash and recycling schedule, nearest grocery store, pharmacy, and hospital, your favorite local restaurants and cafes, public transit tips, and emergency contacts.

I keep mine in a Google Doc that I update after each swap, adding tips from previous guests.

Securing Valuables

Home swapping is built on trust, and the SwappaHome community has a strong review system that keeps everyone accountable. That said, I always secure a few things before any swap. Important documents like passports and birth certificates go in a small safe or locked filing cabinet. Expensive jewelry I'm not taking gets locked away. One closet or room is designated as "private"—I put a small sign on the door and guests universally respect it.

I've never had an issue in 40+ swaps. But peace of mind matters.

Arrival Logistics: Getting to Your Granada Home Swap

Granada doesn't have a major international airport. Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport exists, but it has limited connections. Most travelers fly into Málaga or Madrid and connect from there.

From Málaga (Most Common Route)

Málaga to Granada is about 1.5 hours by car, 2 hours by bus.

The ALSA Bus runs every 1-2 hours from Málaga bus station, costs around €12-15 one way, and is comfortable and reliable with WiFi on board. This is what I usually do.

A rental car makes sense if you're planning day trips to the Alpujarras villages or the coast. But parking in Granada's old town is a nightmare—many streets are restricted, and your home swap might not include parking. Ask your host before committing to a car.

Private transfers run around €100-150 for the car. Worth it if you're arriving late or have lots of luggage.

Coordinating with Your Host

This is crucial for home swaps: nail down the key handoff details at least a week before arrival.

Confirm the exact address and any tricky navigation notes (like "the GPS will try to take you down a pedestrian street—don't"), key pickup method whether that's a lockbox code, meeting in person, or neighbor handoff, check-in time flexibility, and their WhatsApp or local phone number for day-of communication.

I always share my flight details and send a message when I land. It's just courteous, and it prevents your host from worrying.

A hand holding an old iron key in front of a weathered wooden door with decorative metal studs, typi

Neighborhood-Specific Preparation Tips

Where your Granada home swap is located changes what you need to prepare for.

Albaicín

The ancient Moorish quarter. Stunning. Also: extremely hilly, no car access to most streets, and your suitcase will hate you.

Prepare for walking uphill with luggage—consider shipping heavy items ahead or packing ultra-light. There are no nearby supermarkets; the closest Mercadona is a 15-minute downhill walk, which becomes a 25-minute uphill return with groceries. On the bright side, you'll have incredible sunset views from Mirador de San Nicolás, just a 5-minute walk from most Albaicín swaps.

Realejo

The old Jewish quarter, now a hip neighborhood with great tapas bars. More accessible than Albaicín but still has hills.

Prepare for noise from bars and restaurants if your swap is on a main street—bring earplugs. Everything is walking distance, and the Alhambra entrance is a 20-minute uphill walk. This neighborhood has the best free tapas scene in Granada, so order a drink, get a free tapa, and budget accordingly.

Centro

The commercial heart around Gran Vía and the Cathedral. Flat, convenient, less atmospheric.

Prepare for more urban noise and less neighborhood charm, but easy access to shops, pharmacies, and transit. You'll be closer to the train and bus stations if you're doing day trips.

Sacromonte

The cave-dwelling neighborhood, famous for flamenco. Extremely atmospheric, extremely remote-feeling.

Prepare for serious hiking to reach most homes—some require 15+ minutes of uphill walking from the nearest road. Services are limited, so bring everything you need for the day when you leave. The payoff? Authentic flamenco shows in actual caves at places like Cueva de la Rocío or Venta El Gallo (book ahead).

The First 24 Hours: Settling Into Your Granada Home

I have a ritual for every home swap arrival that makes the whole experience smoother.

Hour 1: Orientation. Walk through the entire home. Find the circuit breaker, the water shutoff, the first aid kit. Test the WiFi. Figure out how the shower works—European plumbing is... creative. Read your host's welcome guide.

Hour 2: Provisions Run. Head to the nearest grocery store for essentials like water, breakfast items, coffee, and snacks. In Granada, Mercadona is the reliable choice for variety and prices. Coviran is smaller but often closer in old town neighborhoods. Expect to spend €30-50 on a solid first grocery run.

Hour 3-4: Neighborhood Wander. Walk your immediate area without a destination. Find the nearest pharmacy, bakery, and a café you like. Locate the closest ATM—Spain is still fairly cash-dependent for small tapas bars.

Evening: First Tapas. Don't cook on night one. Go experience Granada's famous free tapas culture. Order a caña (small beer, about €2-2.50) or a tinto de verano (red wine with lemon soda), and you'll receive a free tapa. Move between 3-4 bars for a full meal. Budget around €15-20 for a very satisfying evening.

A small marble-topped bar table with a caa of beer and a plate of jamn croquetas, the warm interior

What NOT to Pack for Granada

Almost as important as what to bring.

Leave the heels at home unless they're chunky and you're experienced walking on cobblestones—even then, reconsider. Skip the umbrella since Granada gets very little rain, and if it does rain, you'll be indoors at a tapas bar anyway. Don't bring formal wear because Granada is casual by Spanish standards, and your nicest outfit is probably overkill. Forget the hairdryer since your host's home will have one (ask if you're unsure). Leave room in your suitcase because you will buy ceramics, leather goods, or inlaid wood boxes from the Alcaicería market—everyone does.

Money and Budget Preparation

Granada is remarkably affordable compared to other European destinations. Here's what to budget for a week-long home swap:

Groceries: €80-120 for a week of breakfasts, some lunches, and cooking supplies. Tapas and dining out: €150-250 depending on how often you go out—remember, tapas are free with drinks in most traditional bars. Alhambra tickets: €14 general admission, but book 2-3 months ahead on the official site because they sell out. Other attractions: Most are €3-8, with the Cathedral at €5, the Royal Chapel at €5, and the Bañuelos Arab baths at €2.50. Flamenco show: €20-35 for a quality cave performance in Sacromonte. Transportation: Minimal if you're staying central—a single bus ticket is €1.40, and you'll mostly walk.

Total for a week, excluding flights: €400-600 for a comfortable experience. That's remarkably cheap for a week in one of Spain's most magical cities. And since your accommodation is covered through SwappaHome, you're saving €700-1,400 compared to hotels in the same neighborhoods.

Tech and Apps to Download Before You Go

Get these on your phone before departure: Google Maps with Granada offline maps downloaded since cell service can be spotty in the Albaicín's narrow streets, Google Translate because the camera translation feature is magic for menus and signs, Moovit or Citymapper for bus routes if you need them, the Alhambra Tickets app for your e-tickets (don't rely on screenshots), and WhatsApp which is essential for communicating with your host and any local contacts.

The Pre-Departure Checklist

One week before your home swap in Granada:

□ Confirm all details with your host via SwappaHome messaging □ Download offline maps and apps □ Book Alhambra tickets (if you haven't already—do this NOW) □ Notify your bank of travel dates □ Check that your phone plan includes EU roaming (or buy an eSIM) □ Print backup copies of important reservations □ Prepare your home for incoming guests □ Write or update your welcome guide □ Do a final packing check against this list

What I Wish I'd Known Before My First Granada Home Swap

A few final thoughts from hard-won experience.

The siesta is real. From roughly 2-5 PM, many shops close. Plan your errands for morning or evening. Use siesta time to rest, read on your terrace, or visit the Alhambra (which stays open).

Dinner starts late. Restaurants don't really fill up until 9:30 or 10 PM. If you show up at 7 PM, you'll be eating alone with the staff watching you. Embrace it—have a late lunch, tapas around 8 PM, and dinner at 10 PM like a local.

The Alhambra is worth the hype. I was skeptical before my first visit. I've now been four times. Book the Nasrid Palaces time slot for late afternoon—the light is incredible, and it's slightly less crowded.

Learn a few phrases. Granadinos appreciate any effort at Spanish. "Una caña, por favor" and "La cuenta, por favor" will cover 80% of your tapas bar needs.

Stay longer than you think. Everyone I know who's done a home swap in Granada says the same thing: they wished they'd booked more time. A week is good. Ten days is better. Two weeks and you'll start to feel like a temporary local.

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Granada has a way of getting under your skin. The sound of flamenco drifting up from a Sacromonte cave. The first glimpse of the Alhambra lit up at night from a Mirador. The simple pleasure of a cold beer and a free tapa after a long day of wandering.

A home swap makes all of it more real. You're not passing through—you're living there, however briefly. You have a neighborhood, a favorite café, a route you walk without checking your phone.

If you're ready to experience Granada that way, SwappaHome makes it surprisingly easy to find your perfect exchange. Start browsing Granada listings, and pay attention to the neighborhood descriptions. Your future terrace with an Alhambra view is waiting.

Just remember to pack the right shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I pack for a home swap in Granada?

For a home swap in Granada, prioritize sturdy walking shoes with grip for cobblestones, lightweight layered clothing for temperature swings, serious sun protection including a wide-brimmed hat, and a light jacket for cool evenings. Skip the heels and heavy jeans—Granada's terrain and climate demand practical, breathable choices.

How much does a week-long home swap in Granada cost?

Excluding flights, budget €400-600 for a week in Granada covering groceries, dining out, attractions, and a flamenco show. Since your accommodation is free through home exchange, you're saving €700-1,400 compared to equivalent hotel stays in neighborhoods like the Albaicín or Realejo.

Is the Albaicín neighborhood good for home swaps?

The Albaicín is ideal for home swaps if you want atmosphere and stunning Alhambra views, but prepare for steep hills, no car access, and limited nearby supermarkets. Pack light—you'll be hauling your suitcase uphill on cobblestones. The tradeoff is living in one of Spain's most magical UNESCO-listed neighborhoods.

How far in advance should I book Alhambra tickets?

Book Alhambra tickets 2-3 months in advance, especially for peak season from March through May and September through October. The Nasrid Palaces have timed entry slots that sell out quickly. Use the official Alhambra website only—avoid third-party resellers that charge inflated prices.

Do I need a car for a Granada home swap?

No, a car is unnecessary and often problematic for Granada home swaps. The historic neighborhoods have restricted vehicle access, parking is expensive and scarce, and the city is very walkable. Only rent a car if you're planning day trips to the Alpujarras villages or the coast—and confirm parking availability with your host first.